Choledochal cyst during pregnancy: case report and literature review of treatment

Abstract

Choledochal cysts are uncommon conditions, usually diagnosed during childhood, but rarely during pregnancy. Choledochal cysts during pregnancy carry several risks, including development of biliary tract cancer and peritonitis due to rupture of dilated cysts induced by pregnancy itself. We present here a case of choledochal cyst during pregnancy, and discuss appropriate treatments for choledochal cysts first presenting during pregnancy. A 25-year-old primigravida at 15 weeks' gestation was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography diagnosed a type 1 choledochal cyst without a mass lesion. A healthy baby arrived without complication at 38 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent cholecystectomy and choledochal cyst excision. The postoperative course was uneventful with discharge on day 8. Pathological examination diagnosed no malignant feature. Surgery may be performed after delivery for choledochal cysts first presenting during pregnancy, and monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging, blood tests, and ultrasonography is necessary during observation.

Keywords: Choledochal cysts; Pregnancy; Surgery.